Premier Boys Basketball Team Achieve Success

The team competed against 19 other schools who were vying for a position in one of the top school basketball leagues in Auckland.

In sections play Macleans secured some excellent wins, demonstrating a tough pressing defence and a smooth transition game which sparked a quick scoring offense.

Results:
Beat Sacred Heart 81-46
Beat Selwyn 120-50
Beat St. Peters 95-84
Beat Birkenhead 88-61

At that stage the team qualified for post-section play on the following Tuesday against the other section winners. The first game was against near neighbours Pakuranga College, and in a tense and exciting game Macleans prevailed 94-81. This result put them through to the final against Massey High School; the winner would gain entry to the Auckland Premier League.

The game was a gripping and close contest with both teams determined to gain superiority over the other. The result was in doubt until the final seconds as each team pressed hard for a win. A great shout of relief and joy as the hooter sounded, with a narrow victory to Macleans, 100-96. Entry to the premier league had been achieved – the first time since 2001.

The Macleans team was well led by Co-Captains Andrew Fei (Snell House) and Blake Van Uden (Batten). The team consisted of Alex Arthur (Mansfield), Michael Babaran (Batten), Raffy Dio (Te Kanawa), Matthew Grey (Te Kanawa), Sai Kuvelkar (Te Kanawa), Alec Lafotanoa (Snell), Keaton Nepia (Snell), Aidan Pologa (Rutherford), and Harrison Roper (Mansfield).